The lessons of cloud computing: what have we learned so far

2 years ago

In a remarkably short period of time, cloud computing has evolved from a marginal tendency to fundamental computer operations. Thus, in just ten years, CIOs were presented with an opportunity to circumvent the rules and create a new model for the implementation of IT. The cloud represents Now one third of all expenditure in IT infrastructure, according to research firm IDC. In terms of software, Forrester suggests that global spending on software as a service will reach $ 106 billion in 2016, or about 17% of total spending in enterprise applications.

ZDNet spoke with CIOs who use cloud computing to know what works and where there are still things to do.

1. Use cloud computing to fill gaps in services

Andrew Marks, former CIO of Tullow Oil, claims that cloud computing should be considered as a form of flexible outsourcing. “This is just one vector among others for the provision of services,” he says. “In the on-demand computing, what matters is how the company can subscribe to services of benefit, not their mode of supply.”

Andrew Marks adds that cloud computing has the advantage of offering a very different model of traditional modes of purchase of the enterprise computing, where a DSI procured hardware and software for a specific location. “This approach probably suitable for limited services to a regional market, but you will encounter latency issues globally,” he notes. “This can be very problematic, especially if you manage IT for a highly transactional business as a financial institution, or if you send large volumes of data, such as in oil and gas exploration.” According to Andrew Marks, the cloud enables CIOs to mitigate these performance issues, by purchasing on-demand computing to create a ubiquitous provision of services.

“You can rely on third parties to provide the heterogeneous service you need, while the latter, as an expert, is the ability to provide peak capacity and performance when and where you need it, “he says. “As CIO, you can expect that the platform works and is always available. Now, many IT managers will do anything to avoid owning the new physical hardware, while having the assurance that the service will be well supplied. The cloud enables CIOs to take a step towards the accommodation and to achieve high levels of backup and security for a set price. ”

2. Adopt a mentality favoring cloud computing

Omid Shiraji, CIO of Working Links, says his company has a long-term objective to migrate as much computing power as possible to the cloud, as it provides a cost effective way to gain access to new skills and expertise. It can be difficult to stay informed of all cloud-related innovations; that is why he spends time talking with younger people and future IT professionals to get an idea of ​​future developments.

“They probably more aware of the next great phenomenon which will affect the company, “he says. “I make sure to address the new services that are available on the market The reverse is also true. I am aware that the culture around IT management evolves and that is why I invite employees to adopt a mentality favoring cloud computing. ”

However, Omid Shiraji also recognizes that migration to the cloud must be managed carefully, particularly as regards governance and information security. “By definition, large suppliers (such as Amazon and Google) should be much better to secure data,” he argues. “CIOs should nevertheless be aware that convince the rest of the business benefits of cloud computing can be a slow process, especially with regard to governance, security and approval.”

3 . Let the cloud take care of basic areas

Like Omid Shiraji, Sean Harley, IT director at Top Right Group, reports that his company introduced the cloud where there is a tremendous solution to an operational challenge. The starting point in his opinion on a number of core areas that CIOs can easily deliver on demand.

“With regard to products such as Salesforce and Office 365, it would be crazy to want the house itself,” he warns. “Better to let someone else, an expert in the field, take care of your operational concerns.” Sean Harley added that cloud also serves as a point solution to problems involving some operational projects.

“In the past, when the company was extremely dependent on outsourcing, we have seen the quality of service and reduce the disaffection of customers rise. This is why we have everything in-house and are repatriated trying to identify things that could possibly migrate to the cloud, “he relates.

4. Find a balance and how to manage legacy systems

Ian Cox, former CIO become digital consultant Axin, is another expert who thinks that IT managers would be crazy to dismiss cloud computing, do serait- only in terms of quality of service. However, it also issues a warning: even if companies continue to migrate on-demand services, there is still much work to be done

“We have not yet reached the tipping point.” , he says. “Therefore, many companies are still trying to test the waters. In fact, we are left with a fascinating mix of companies that opt ​​for an on-demand model and others who buy more internal resources.”

For CIOs, the move towards on-demand model can be a headache, warns Ian Cox. “You have your legacy systems and, at some point, you should consider migrating services to the cloud, but it’s possible,” he says, suggesting that the momentum is in favor of the computing demand, despite stubborn concerns related to security and governance.